Mentoring program guides new hospital trustees. A religious institute ensures trustee orientation is mission and...

In 1990 the Sisters of Charity began offering a mentoring program to ensure that sisters who serve on boards of its sponsored institutions can fulfill their commitment to effective stewardship. For participating healthcare facilities, the program offers an assurance that their trustees will have a clear direction, common information, and a mission- and value-based orientation process. The new trustees gain a basic understanding of their role and responsibilities as trustees, including the ministerial dimension. Mentors in the program benefit by refreshing their understanding of issues facing trustees. Participants in the mentoring program must meet the criteria for all trustees and demonstrate a special commitment to the congregation's mission and philosophy. The mentors are selected on the basis of their experience, availability, and commitment to the congregation's mission and philosophy. After participating in at least one board meeting, the new trustees, along with their mentors, attend an orientation seminar that focuses on sponsorship's history, purposes, principles, and policies and the system's services, roles, and functions. A second seminar is held nine months later for evaluation and follow-up. In addition, the mentors and trustees meet regularly before and/or after each board meeting to discuss pertinent issues, board dynamics, and the new trustee's participation.